swivel knife alternatives

[8thsinner]

I was finishing off five notebooks today for gifting, all of which took up the offer of free name carving...

Probably, that would be a big mistake if customers knew the proper defination of carving.

I am not capable of carving with a swivel knife no matter how hard I try, as soon as there is a curve I screw it up, so for only one of these books I used it.

On the others I used my old standard method. A blunted awl.

These are the results I am getting...I know the pic is a bit big, sorry about that.

Now it's far from perfect, and I was working on top of a scratch too, that wasn't the result of me slipping (this time anyway)

So, my point is I think the results I am getting by drawing like a pen are pretty good, critique away.

But with a more suitable knife I think I could do some pretty decent carving...(maybe) Hopefully even...

Any suggestions.

[BWL]

I was finishing off five notebooks today for gifting, all of which took up the offer of free name carving...

Probably, that would be a big mistake if customers knew the proper defination of carving.

I am not capable of carving with a swivel knife no matter how hard I try, as soon as there is a curve I screw it up, so for only one of these books I used it.

On the others I used my old standard method. A blunted awl.

These are the results I am getting...I know the pic is a bit big, sorry about that.

Now it's far from perfect, and I was working on top of a scratch too, that wasn't the result of me slipping (this time anyway)

So, my point is I think the results I am getting by drawing like a pen are pretty good, critique away.

But with a more suitable knife I think I could do some pretty decent carving...(maybe) Hopefully even...

Any suggestions.

Howdy you'all

I have been experimenting with an engraver with some sucess. I am looking at differant tool shapes at this time. you might try this.

[David Genadek]

I vividly remember my first meeting with Bob Brown. He pulled out a yellow handled screwdriver with a bunch of electrical tape wrapped around it and began cutting into the leather as though he were drawing with a pencil. It doesn't matter how you get there only that you get there.

David Genadek

[Rawhide]

sure,

Al Stohlman carved with sharpend nails..., however, I don't think there is any tool better for the job than the swivel knife, but it's the hardest tool for a leathercrafter to master.

[8thsinner]

Well I figured people have used alternatives before, But I was thinking proper tools more widely accepted, like a skiver vs french skiver.

Subtle differences but commonly used.

I have thought of trying a screwdriver sharpened up, might try it then.

Thanks for the cool history lesson.

[kevinhopkins]

Hi 8th... Your work looks great! I have to agree with Rawhide tho... that stupid swivel knife is a bear to get the hang of for some of us, but once you get it, it's a powerful force! But what it really comes down to at the end, is what the finished product looks like. I think you're doin' great!

Kevin

[8thsinner]

Thanks for the compliments Kevin, Much appreciated.

I really want to be able to do all the georgous carvings I see on here, or even be able to attempt some.

I tried a flower notebook as a gift as by recommendations on here, but my knife work was appalling.

Guess I will work on my awl work for a while until a get a good tool worked out...Broken screwdriver sounds findable though.

[bruce johnson]

There is also a tool sometimes sold under the name "swivel tip cutter". I think they use them to chase threads in machine shops maybe? During one of my thumb dislocation deals a couple years ago I borrowed one. It has a trailing blade that swivels in handle, and you hold it somewhat like a pen. It worked alright, and saved me when I was splinted up. The problem with it is the cutting edge is at the back of this trailing swiveling blade. It is kind of like pulling a trailer that cheats badly. You really need to make exaggerated wide sweeping movements for the cuts to end up right. I was glad I had it when I did, but happier once I could maneuver the swivel knives again.

[8thsinner]

Is this what you mean?

http://www.jacquescrafts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1613

[dirtclod]

8th i belive if you will set down and pratice with the swivel knife it will get alot easier. I just went at it on pieces of scrap from little to big and i know it has helped me alot. Now i don't really think i'll get as good at it as some on here. But i'm trying.